Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s2.t2.5

c48.s2.t2.5

There is a small community called the Ghāsiyā, which, though probably not connected with the Ḍōm by origin, may be taken with it in view of its kindred position and occupation. It has been held, in Bengal, to be a sub-caste of the Hāṛi, but it appears to be an independent offshoot of some Kōl tribe of the Central Belt, and to have been severed from its parent stock at a comparatively recent date. The Ghāsiyā is still divided into its totemistic exogamous sections, and keeps up the worship of the field goddesses and other genii of its native haunts. In the neighbourhood of the larger Kōl tribes the Ghāsiyā occupy but a low position, and perform on drums and trumpets at festivals with other menial functions. In the plains, however, the Ghāsiyā have entered private service as grooms and elephant-drivers. The caste keeps much to itself, and, low as it is, it eschews the menial offices imposed upon it in the hills, and especially avoids the leather-worker and contact with dogs.